One more post to the one below

AndrewDer

I had a six month screening with MRI contrast of the abdomen and chest xray - clear. I was told not have CT with contrast since the contrast agent is harmful to kidneys and my creatinine is a tiny bit high with the remaining kidney. After that, I was told I would need a scan only once every year. I had the one year one recently where it was an MRI for the whole torso - clear again. I think the surgeon meant well as to have a more detailed image for the chest than an Xray since he could tell I was anxious but the report said the lungs wer blurred so all they can say is no "large" masses in lungs. I went back to the surgeon and my family doctor mentioning that and asking if I should have a chest Xray (or CT w/o contrast) for my one year scan and they are very rigid about it and said it is not necessary? It seems that since I am statistically extremely unlikely to have any recurrances, they do not think it necessary. Easy for them though. I would feel better if I had the chest Xray but do not know where to begin to get another opinion without putting another doctor on the spot - which I have noticed is a touchy subject with them. Does anyone have a recommendation for an appropriate specialist in the Washington Baltimore area who would get me a chest Xray?
Thanks
Andy

sviessman

I am a 49 year old female that was diagnosed with renal cell cancer and I had a right radical nephrectomy 2-07. I was told this would be a "distant memory". My first symptoms, that were persistant, were what prompted my primary doctor to refer me to a urologist. I have gone to three urologists since I have had the surgery. I still have the initial symptoms. I have also had follow up CT scans that were clear, my creatinine levels, so far are good. I have become frustrated with the attitudes that these physicians have expressed. I almost feel as if I am imposing upon their time. I am looking into going to a cancer center, I am near the St. Louis Siteman Center at Barnes Hospital. Even though this is frustrating, maybe you have a cancer center near your home that you can call to get some suggestions.

Good Luck!

AndrewDer

sviessman said:

I am a 49 year old female that was diagnosed with renal cell cancer and I had a right radical nephrectomy 2-07. I was told this would be a "distant memory". My first symptoms, that were persistant, were what prompted my primary doctor to refer me to a urologist. I have gone to three urologists since I have had the surgery. I still have the initial symptoms. I have also had follow up CT scans that were clear, my creatinine levels, so far are good. I have become frustrated with the attitudes that these physicians have expressed. I almost feel as if I am imposing upon their time. I am looking into going to a cancer center, I am near the St. Louis Siteman Center at Barnes Hospital. Even though this is frustrating, maybe you have a cancer center near your home that you can call to get some suggestions.

Good Luck!

Thanks for your reply - apparantly I am not alone - and such attitudes from physicians are common unfortunately. I made an appointment with an oncologist specializing in RCC next month at the same hospital my surgeon practices out of and will hope for the best. Maybe I can get some specialized and consistant information without attitude.